The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts is seeking nominations for the 2011 Governors Arts Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to the cultural life of our state made by individuals, organizations and communities.

“The Governors Arts Awards are an important opportunity to recognize the dynamic, positive impact that the arts bring to New Hampshire,” said Lynn Martin Graton, acting director of the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. “The arts help define who we are, strengthen our sense of community and serve as a key component of our economy.”

The deadline for nominations is February 1, 2011. The awards, which are non-monetary, will be presented in April 2011.

Nominations may be made by any individual, group, organization or business. To be eligible for nominations, individuals must reside in New Hampshire or have made significant contributions to the arts while living in New Hampshire; nominated organizations, cities and towns must be located in New Hampshire. To learn more about the 2011 Governor’s Arts Awards and to download a nomination form, visit www.nh.gov/nharts.

The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts is a division of the Department of Cultural Resources. The State Arts Council provides a wide variety of services, competitive grants, and technical assistance to not-for-profit organizations, schools, health care facilities, and individual artists, helping to ensure that the arts thrive in New Hampshire and are accessible to all. Funding for grants and services is provided by the New Hampshire Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Learn more at www.nh.gov/nharts.